Ms. Schwartz is a medical art therapist and with over 20 years of clinical experience, primarily as the Program Manager of the Art Therapy Studio, and as an art therapist at the Centers for Dialysis Care. Jennifer has taught courses in the undergraduate and graduate art therapy programs at Ursuline for over 10 years. She has held leadership positions at the Art Therapy Studio, as Executive Director, at the Buckeye Art Therapy Association, serving as President for two terms, and at the American Art Therapy Association, serving on the Conference Committee. Jennifer earned her Master of Arts in Art Therapy at Vermont College of Norwich University (’94), and her Bachelor of Arts at Ursuline College, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1993 with a double major in psychology and studio art. Jennifer is a mixed-media and fiber artist who makes art for stress management, personal growth, social action and community building.

Natalie Tharp is board certified art therapist and professional counselor. She earned a dual B.A. in Art Therapy and Psychology at Mercyhurst College, and is a graduate of Ursuline’s Master of Arts in Art Therapy program. Natalie has over 15 years clinical experience working with mental health consumers both in-patient and out-patient within a psychiatric hospital system. Her clinical expertise also encompasses treating children on the autistic spectrum, dually diagnosed clients, and those with eating disorders. Natalie has extensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and is a member of the American Art Therapy Association. In addition to teaching courses in our undergraduate art therapy program, Natalie regularly co-teaches in Ursuline’s Graduate Art Therapy and Counseling program Thesis writing class.

Dr. Haaga's clinical experience has included work with individuals, families, and groups in community mental health, hospital, school, rehabilitation, and studio settings. Her areas of expertise are centered on using mind-body oriented art therapy approaches to identify, examine, and alter maladaptive thoughts and behaviors in an effort toward achieving wholeness and balance. Dr. Haaga earned her bachelor's degree from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she majored in art therapy with a minor in psychology. After graduating from Ursuline College's Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling Program, she then returned to Lesley University to earn her doctoral degree in Expressive Therapies. Her doctoral research focused on psychosocial implication of medical illness and the role of art therapy in assessment, treatment, and management of medically related issues.